In an era dominated by SUVs and advanced touchscreens, coachbuilding might appear to be a fading tradition. However, BMW is not ready to abandon this craft just yet. The iconic automaker has unveiled a new bespoke creation, the Speedtop, which reimagines last year’s Skytop convertible into an elegant, shooting brake-style grand tourer. This remarkable concept will debut at the prestigious 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, with a limited production run of only 70 units, although none will be available in the United States.
The BMW Speedtop shares its architecture with the well-known BMW 8-Series, which comes with some inherent packaging limitations, particularly regarding proportions. However, the design team at BMW embraced this challenge, creating an entirely new body that embodies what they describe as “an exclusive three-door interpretation of a BMW Touring.” The result is a shooting brake that is as much a work of art as it is a sports car, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovative design.
At the front, the Speedtop maintains key elements from the Skytop, such as narrow LED headlights, a glowing kidney grille, and a vented hood. The fin-style door handles are also reminiscent of its predecessor. Moving to the rear, the sleekly mounted ultra-slim LED lights and oversized oval exhaust tips provide a familiar touch, while everything above the beltline has undergone a transformation. The new roofline seamlessly flows into a reimagined greenhouse and a sculpted tailgate, culminating in a subtle roof spoiler. The redesigned rear quarter panels enhance the overall balance and coherence compared to the Skytop, while the raised central spine echoes the hood’s vent, adding symmetry and purpose to the silhouette.
Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s Head of Design, aptly described the Speedtop, stating, “The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterised first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.” This statement underscores the Speedtop’s distinctiveness, setting it apart from typical production vehicles.
BMW designed the Speedtop with the intent of providing an ideal vehicle for “weekend getaways for two.” This is reflected in its two-seater configuration, which eliminates rear seats in favor of ample cargo space, enhancing its grand touring character. The luggage area is elegantly wrapped in leather and features a central partition illuminated by ambient lighting. Behind the seats are two compartments secured with leather straps, specifically designed to hold custom-made bags from Italian firm Schedoni. A matching weekend bag will also be included for the trunk, appealing to those who appreciate luxury.
The dashboard design is borrowed from the 8-Series, featuring a modern digital cockpit with two separate screens, a crystal gear knob, and high-quality switchgear. Every surface in the Speedtop is adorned with premium materials, showcasing intricate details made possible by its limited production status and the craftsmanship of BMW's Manufactory workshop in Dingolfing. The interior boasts a striking two-tone leather combination of Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White, along with a unique light beam feature on the headliner and an extended center console that rises towards the rear glass.
Under the hood, the BMW Speedtop is powered by “the most powerful V8 engine currently offered” in the brand's lineup. This likely refers to the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine found in the M8 Competition, delivering an impressive 617 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. This potent engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, connected to BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system. While specific performance specifications are yet to be announced, it is expected that the Speedtop may also incorporate mechanical enhancements from the M8, such as adaptive suspension and carbon ceramic brakes.
The price of the BMW Speedtop remains undisclosed, but it is anticipated to be premium, reflecting its status as a coachbuilt special aimed at “collectors and connoisseurs.” Despite an increase in production from 50 units of the Skytop to 70 units of the Speedtop, it is unlikely that this will significantly impact pricing, and potential buyers should not expect it to be budget-friendly. Currently, BMW is accepting orders, but U.S. customers will be disappointed to learn that this exclusive creation will not be available for sale in the United States, making it a strictly overseas affair for the time being.
